FRV Recruitment Guide
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How to Become a Firefighter in VIC in 12 Months or Less
Even if you have failed multiple times
This article is specific to becoming a firefighter in the state of Victoria Australia.
I will not be wasting time on general how to's that can already be found on the "How to become a firefighter" page.
To remove any confusion, I'm talking about how to become a firefighter with Fire & Rescue Victoria (formerly MFB & CFA).
We predicted the merger of the 2 Victorian fire services becoming 1 under the banner of FRV - Fire Rescue Victoria and the impact on recruitment way back in 2017.
If you wish to learn more about the assessments and tests requirements and FRV practice tests, please find our dedicated practice resources. We also have a separate page where we go into much greater depth on each of the stages of the FRV recruitment process.
Case Study: Sam W - VIC Firefighter
Here's Sam below with doing some interview preparation with us and then as an FRV firefighter. Sam had tried 2 times and been unsuccessful. When he used the methods I'm talking about, he managed to become a firefighter in Vic that very same year.
The reason I share this is to illustrate how much difference the right preparation and guidance makes.
Listen to Sam's full story - becoming a firefighter with Fire Rescue Victoria
Competition in Fire Rescue Victoria Firefighter Recruitment
Fire and Rescue Victoria is one of the most competitive fire services in Australia. Over the last decade or so, I have been following firefighter recruitment in Victoria. The number of applicants has fluctuated around the 3000-4000 mark, give or take a thousand or so.
It is worth noting this from the beginning so you understand the potential of the competition and what may be required in order to beat these thousands of people on your journey to becoming a firefighter in Victoria.
This is by no means meant to put you off the idea, more to make you consider the fact that simply winging it will not work unless you are uncannily smart or just have an extraordinary talent for fire service recruitment.
FRV Online Application
What You Need to Know Before Applying
- Carefully review the minimum entry requirements, including policies on driver history, criminal checks, and residency status. Fire Rescue Victoria outlines these on their official recruitment page, and any errors or omissions here could disqualify you immediately.
- Read all instructions slowly and thoroughly—then reread them. It sounds basic, but countless strong applicants miss out each year because they overlook a single detail.
- The Position Description (PD) is more than a formality—it’s a strategic document. Inside it, you’ll find clues about the values, skills, and behaviours FRV is looking for. Aligning your responses with this will give your application a more substantial impact.
At Fire Recruitment Australia, we teach applicants how to decode these documents so they know exactly what to include—and what to leave out.
Writing a Standout Application
You’ll only get one shot per intake, so it’s worth putting in the time to do it properly. Here’s how:
- Tailor every response to the questions—no fluff or generic answers.
- Use examples that demonstrate problem-solving, teamwork, and integrity.
- Avoid copying templates or vague statements. Your answers should reflect you, not just what you think they want to hear.
- Proofread carefully. Spelling, formatting, and tone all matter.
Many great candidates miss out because their applications didn’t convey their strengths. That’s why we offer professional second-opinion reviews inside our membership—so your hard work doesn’t go to waste.
Information from Fire Rescue Victoria (bear in mind every applicant has access to this).
Here is some more information you might be interested in if you're seriously considering becoming a firefighter in victoria with FRV. You will want to know these things and a lot more about the job of a firefighter and particularly specific to Victoria, just a little entree below.
How much does a firefighter earn in Victoria?
Firefighter Victoria Salary
Victorian firefighter salary correct as of 2024 - More details here how much do firefighters make
FRV Station Map - Overview
Fire Rescue Victoria Rank Structure
Here is an article devoted to Rank Structure in Fire Rescue Victoria
APPLY HERE - Current FRV Application
Fire Rescue Victoria is Australia's 2nd Largest Employer of Professional Firefighters
Fire Rescue Victoria employs 22% of professional firefighters in Australia making it the 2nd largest firefighter recruiter in the country, In a sense this is great if your applying with FRV because by default there are more professional firefighters positions available, this usually correlates with more applications but I see it as a bigger opportunity to beat more than enough people that you can bet will be unprepared.
Resources Below
Tools to save you wasting your time..
Firefighter Recruitment Bundle
What Every Applicant Needs To Know About Firefighter Recruitment Testing to Stand a Chance!
The bare minimum for anyone that claims to be "serious" about becoming a firefighter.
If you are currently preparing for the next firefighter recruitment intake. These guides give you simple details that help you prepare properly for every test you'll face and — the application process, the Aptitude, Personality, and Physical tests, and the Interview.
Get the Edge
Work With Me & My Team
Personalised coaching sessions based on decades of experience and tailored to your needs.
If you think you need that little bit of extra help to make it through the next recruitment intake or you're sick of missing out and not knowing why, then this may be perfect for you. Together, we'll work out a strategy that:
- Builds on your strengths and fills you with confidence and certainty
- Learn the reasons behind why people fail time and again so you don't
- Improve your weaknesses to eliminate points of failure
- Show you exactly what to expect so you can present the best version of yourself every step of the way.
Wherever you are in the process, and whatever challenges you’re facing right now, Working with us gives you step-by-step guidance, personal support, and resources not available anywhere else to help you get where you want to be in the quickest way possible. You don’t need to struggle on your own anymore!
